El 21 de mayo nos reuníamos D´Sherry Explorers en nuestro campamento base, el Hotel Pinomar.  Fue una reunión muy especial por tres motivos diferentes.  Uno de ellos porque este mes se cumple un año de la presentación oficial de D´Sherry Explorers.  Nuestra mascota Edu cumple un añito.

On the 21st of May the D´Sherry Explorers gathered at our base camp, the Hotel Pinomar.  It was a very special meeting for three different reasons.  One of them was because this month was the first anniversary of the official presentation of the D´Sherry Explorers.  Our mascot, Edu, is now one year old.

Aquí vemos algunas fotos de aquella presentación oficial en la que los primeros 49 Sherry Explorers hicimos nuestro juramento con el salacot, una copa de jerez en una mano y una venencia en la otra, como mandan los cánones.

Here, we can see some photos of that official presentation at which  the first 49 Sherry Explorers were sworn-in  while wearing their Pith helmets and holding a glass of sherry in one hand and a  venencia in the other, as required by our by-laws.

El segundo motivo de celebración es que ya hemos pasado de 200     exploradores incansables del vino, manzanilla y brandy de Jerez. No está nada mal y esperamos seguir aumentando el número de amantes de nuestro vino, único en el mundo mundial.

The second reason to celebrate was that we are now more than 200 members strong.  We are tireless explorers of Sherry wines, manzanilla, and Brandy of Jerez.   Not bad at all.  We expect to continue adding to the number of  the lovers of Sherry wine, which is unique in this world.

Y para completar la tarde perfecta, tuvimos dos invitadas de lujo, Bibiana González-Gordon y Begoña García González-Gordon, primas y quinta generación de la familia de vinos, González Byass.

And to make it perfect evening, our honored guests were very special.   They were Bibiana González-Gordon and Begoña García González-Gordon, who are cousins and members of the fifth generation  of the González Byass wine family.

Empezamos, como hacemos siempre, explicando quienes somos D´Sherry Explorers y mostramos algunas fotos de las distintas actividades que hemos hecho y los diferentes invitados que han compartidos sus conocimientos y experiencias con nosotros.  Seguidamente los nuevos aspirantes hicieron su juramento y brindaron con jerez.

We started, as we always do, explaining who the D´Sherry Explorers are.  We also showed photos of some of the different activities which we have hosted, and of the various invited guests who have shared their knowledge and experiences with us.  Afterwards, the new Explorer candidates were sworn-in and they joined in a toast with a glass of Sherry wine.

El formato de esta reunión fue diferente, fue un “talk-show”.  Queríamos crear un ambiente relajado, donde Bibiana y Begoña nos contasen anécdotas, recuerdos y chascarrillos de su familia.  Creo que lo conseguimos.  Todos estuvimos de acuerdo en que todo lo que nos contaron fue muy interesante, aprendimos muchas cosas y lo pasamos de maravilla.

The format for this meeting was a little different – it was basically a “talk-show” format.  We wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere, where Bibiana and Begoña could tell us anecdotes, memories and funny stories of their family.   I believe that we accomplished that.   Everyone was in agreement that what was said was all very interesting, that we all learned a lot, and that we all had a great time.

Nos hablaron también de sus libros.  Leí hace muy poco “Lo que diga Mimi” que son las memorias de juventud de su abuelo, D. Manuel María González-Gordon, es como leer un libro de aventuras, lo recomiendo.  En mi lista están “La Paciencia de Pepa” de Bibiana, y “Las Niñas del Altillo” de Begoña.

They also talked to us about their books.   I recently read “Lo que diga Mimi” which is a collection of the boyhood memories of their grandfather,  D. Manuel María González-Gordon.  It is like reading an adventure book.  I highly recommend it.  On my reading list, I have included “La Paciencia de Pepa” written by Bibiana, and  “Las Niñas del Altillo” written by Begoña.

No podía faltar el pequeño sorteo que siempre hacemos, hubo Tío Pepe, Fragantia 9, dos libros donados por Patrimonio del Ayuntamiento de El Puerto, camisetas, enfriador de botellas, etc.  Como novedad había dos jabones, uno de cava que previene el envejecimiento y la aparición de arrugas y otro de vino verdejo que es anti-edad y relajante.  Los tienen en la tienda de González Byass.

Of course, we had to have our drawing for prizes, as always.  As prizes, there was some  Tío Pepe, Fragantia 9, two books donated by the City of El Puerto Heritage Department, t-shirts, bottle coolers,  etc.    As something new, there were two soap products, one made of Spanish cava (sparkling wine) which combats aging and the appearance of wrinkles.  The second is mad of verdejo wine which is also anti-aging and relaxing.  Both are available at the  González Byass winery store.

Nuestra artista oficial, Sofía, decoró la mesa del salón de las tapas y usó copia de fotos antiguas de la bodega.  Quedó muy elegante y bonito.

Our official artist, Sofía, decorated the table in the tapas hall by using copies of old photos of the Gonzalez Byass winery.  It was very elegant and beautiful. 

Disfrutamos de las tapas que aportaron los chefs de D´Sherry Explorers y de una copa de Tío Pepe en Rama, Amontillado AB o Fragantia 6, todo un lujo.

We enjoyed the tapas provided by the D´Sherry Explorers chefs, along with a glass of  Tío Pepe en Rama, Amontillado AB or Fragantia 6, which were all an incredible treat.

El jurado secreto eligió las dos mejores tapas, las berenjenas gratinadas de Carmen y el “dip” de alcachofas de Gina.  Como suele pasar fue muy difícil elegir solo dos.  Hubo mención especial para los postres de Colette. Enhorabuena a todas y gracias a los Sherry Explorers que trajeron cosas ricas para compartir.

The secret jury selected the best tapas – Carmen´s grated-cheese eggplant and Gina´s artichoke dip. As always, it was difficult to select only two from all of the tapas.  There was an honorable mention awarded to all of Colette´s desserts.   Congratulations to all, and thank you to the Sherry Explorers who brought such tasty dishes to share.

Aquí está el enlace del video con más fotos.

Here is the link to the video which contains more photos.